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Health E-Learning and Media Team

Understanding FGM

10. A legal perspective

Within the UK context, FGM is considered very much from a Human Rights perspective.

FGM is illegal in the UK and is included in the Serious Crimes Act.

As a healthcare worker, you have a number of responsibilities in relation to FGM. Firstly, recognising those who are at risk of FGM or who have recently undergone FGM. This is a safeguarding issue and particularly relevant to women from high risk cultures who give birth to girls in the UK. There is a statutory duty on healthcare workers to follow procedures to report any concerns in this area and to act to safeguard the individuals concerned.

There will be clear procedures for reporting and acting depending on the area of practice you are working in. You should familiarise yourself with this information.


 
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